A Jewish learning seriesrelating ancient texts to modern sex

As part of GLOE's mission to recontextualize Judaism for a modern LGBTQ community, we're introducing our Torah & Sexuality series of Jewish learning classes on the 3rd Tuesday of every month through June 2018 at the Edlavitch DCJCC. Each class will explore a different topic in Judaism that relates to sexual relations, identity, and/or expression — presented in a contemporary queer context by various rabbis and other Jewish educators. Classes are generally structured to provide an introduction of topical source texts with roughly a half-hour of chavruta (small group study) followed by another half-hour of larger group discussion.

March 20 || 7:00–8:00 PM || Edlavitch DCJCCExamining Gender Diversity in Jewish TextsIn this session, we will be exploring texts related to the first adam, the first human being. We will look at various interpretations of this human being's gender and think about the practical implications being able to look at the gender diversity in our ancient texts has for us today. Instructed by Rabbi Rachel Ackerman of Temple Shalom.

April 17 || 7:00–8:00 PM || Edlavitch DCJCCJewish Texts & the Joy of Sex: What Torah Says About Sexual PleasureIt is often assumed that religious authorities are prudish, determined to suppress all sexual enjoyment. However, this isn’t necessarily the case in Judaism. Join the Edlavitch DCJCC's Director of Jewish Engagement Darya Watnick and local Jewish educator Becca Benoff in an exploration of classical Jewish texts containing statements ancient rabbis have made about sex that might surprise you.

February 20, 2018In honor of Purim, the Edlavitch DCJCC's Director of Jewish Engagement Darya Watnick and local Jewish educator Becca Benoff led participants on a deep dive into Jewish text to uncover more about the biblical Queen Esther — who can arguably be considered an early feminist icon — and rabbinical teachings on the empowerment of female sexuality in Judaism. This class was sponsored by the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA).

January 16, 2018This class will look at the traditions of niddah, Jewish laws regarding the separation of menstruating women, and explore how to create meaningful boundaries for all couples, not just heteronormative relationships. Instructed by JoHanna Potts, Education Director and co-founder of The Jewish Studio.

December 6, 2017Since the allegations against Harvey Weinstein have come to light, there has been a flood of further allegations against sexual perpetrators in all quarters of our society. It is time we acknowledge this problem openly as a community, and seek strength, insight and answers together. Rabbi Gil Steinlauf and Dr. Tamara Cofman Wittes of The Brookings Institution led one of the first conversations convened by a Jewish communal institution on the current sexual harassment/assault issues proving to be cultural flashpoints around the world — together, we explored Jewish insights on this problem, acknowledged the challenges, and discussed ways of taking collective action to stop sexual abuse and protect potential victims in our community. A special Torah & Sexuality event.

October 17, 2017In today's world, we are often discussing the fluidity of gender, preferred pronouns, and educating other about these topics. During ancient times, the Rabbis also discussed gender in its various forms, and even identified several different genders in classical Judaism. The Edlavitch DCJCC's Director of Jewish Engagement Darya Watnick and local Jewish educator Becca Benoff led a Torah study to delve into the multiple genders discussed throughout Jewish texts to learn what Judaism says about interpretations of gender.

September 19, 2017The inaugural Torah & Sexuality class focused on "The Touchy Subject" — exploring the biblical and rabbinical texts that discuss masturbation in all of its forms. Led by the Edlavitch DCJCC's Director of Jewish Engagement Darya Watnick and local Jewish educator Becca Benoff, class participants did a deep dive into text in order to fully grasp the reasoning behind common understandings around masturbation.

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The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.

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